Foldable Container and Foldable Supporting Frame Thereof, and Folding Method

ABSTRACT

A foldable container includes a foldable supporting frame, at least one operation switch arranged on the foldable supporting frame, and a container body supported on the foldable supporting frame. The operation switch is actuated through a pulling operation to move the foldable supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode. The container has an edge and an opening formed within the edge. At the unfolded mode, the opening is opened. At the folded mode, the opening is closed. The container body is automatically folded as the foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. Via a folding method, the foldable supporting frame is folded to reduce an overall size for occupying less storage space when it is not in use.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application that claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to a non-provisional application a non-provisional application, application Ser. No. 17/251,752, filed Dec. 11, 2020, which is a non-provisional application which is a U.S. National Stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 of the International Application Number PCT/CN2019/090087, filed Jun. 5, 2019, which claims priority to Chinese application numbers 201810575375.9, 201820871770.7, 201820871648.X and 201820871354.7, filed Jun. 6, 2018, and also a Continuation application that claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to a non-provisional application, application Ser. No. 16/041,822, filed Jul. 22, 2018, this application is also a non-provisional application that claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to China application number CN202220709424.5, filed Mar. 29, 2022, which are incorporated herewith by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable appliance, and more particularly to a foldable container with foldable supporting frame and folding method thereof.

Description of Related Arts

Many foldable brackets are designed and aid for daily entertainment activities. Accordingly, a height of the bracket can be raised to lift up the appliance from the ground during the use of the appliance. As a result, the user does not have to bend or squat to use the appliance. Once the bracket is folded, a size of the bracket is reduced for storage and space saving.

Household temporary container, especially large size receptacle, is popular to be used as basin, bathtub or swimming pool for bathing, cleaning or playing purpose. This temporary container is convenient for most families. For example, the user is able to move this temporary container from place to place, such as bathroom or yard, as needed. Since this kind of container needs to have space large enough to hold at least a child or pet inside while having enough space to contain water or cleaning liquid, the conventional container is generally made in larger size. This kind of rigid container is convenient for most families also take wider space for using water, usually in outdoor area or bathroom. It is known that such relatively large container is not required to be used all the time or even daily use, this temporary container will not be the primary consideration for most families in view of storage, especially for urban families. Since the storage in urban family is very limited, it is a problem to store the temporary container when it is not in used. These defects of the temporary container cannot be solved and this temporary container is not practical in use.

Specifically, in order to reduce the space occupied by the temporary container when it is not in use, the current temporary container is designed to be inflatable, such that the temporary container is reused by inflating and deflating the temporary container. Usually, the temporary container is inflated by an inflator or inflatable pump. Before using the inflatable temporary container, it is necessary to initially place the inflatable temporary container in a preset position, and then use the inflatable pump to inflate the inflatable temporary container for at least five minutes for fully inflate the temporary container by filling a predetermined amount of gas to bias against the inner sidewall of the temporary container so as to support the shape of the temporary container. In other words, it is very troublesome to setup the temporary container. If the inflatable pump is damaged or lost, the inflatable temporary container cannot be used at all. Moreover, in order to facilitate the temporary container being folded after deflation, it is also necessary to provide an air exhaust vent at the temporary container. If the air exhaust vent is poorly sealed, air leakage is likely to occur. Once the inflatable temporary container has an air leakage problem, it is easy to cause the water or cleaning liquid contained in the temporary container to leak out, especially for the temporary container used in the living room. In other words, if the water or cleaning fluid leaks out of the temporary container, it will inevitably cause water damage to the home environment. Furthermore, during the manufacturing process of the inflatable temporary container, the air exhaust vent is affixed to the sidewall of the temporary container to communicate with an interior air chamber of the inflatable temporary container. It is difficult to ensure the tightness between the sidewall and the air exhaust vent.

For the temporary container made of plastic, it must be stored indoors in order to prevent the plastic aging from directly exposing under the sun. Therefore, it is necessary to save a larger space for storing the temporary container. In some cases, the entire temporary container is used to store various items inside the container during storage, such that these items must be placed somewhere in the storage room. However, before the next use of the temporary container, additional steps are required to take out the items and clean the container before use.

In addition to liquid containers, some cooking utensils, such as grills, table tops, etc., have similar problems. One of the major problems is stability after it is setup. Since the foldable bracket is movable, it is a major concern how to keep the stability of the foldable bracket when it is unfolded. The existing foldable bracket is basically constructed to have a X-shaped pivotal structure. This structure provides high mobility and is easy to deform during use. The foldable angle may increase permanently as the structure is frequently used.

In addition, the temporary container is directly placed on the ground when it is used, wherein the user will need to bend over when helping children or pets to clean, which is likely to hurt health the user, especially the back of the user.

Even though the existing foldable brackets can be folded, the folding operation thereof requires many steps. Basically, it requires two hands to close the bracket, and may also need to rotate and fold different parts of the bracket frame. So, the traditional folding process of the foldable bracket is very troublesome. Since the folding process is complicated and difficult, the user will merely keep the temporary container being unfolded all the time, which fails to achieve the main purpose of folding up the temporary container for storage to save the space.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable container can be folded to reduce the overall size thereof when the foldable container in not in use.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the space occupied by the foldable container after being folded is greatly reduced to save the storage space of the foldable container and to allow the folded foldable container to be easily carried.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein when the foldable supporting frame is unfolded, the foldable supporting frame is raised and supported at a predetermined height for stably supporting the container.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the size of the foldable supporting frame is enlarged when it is unfolded and the size of the foldable supporting frame is reduced when it is folded.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable container can be conveniently operated to quickly convert the foldable container between the folded mode and the unfolded mode. The folding and unfolding operations of the foldable container does not require any tool to move foldable container between the folded mode and the unfolded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame is folded by a single pulling force without additional force or steps, and then the foldable supporting frame is folded up and is ready for storage or carry.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame is easily pulled for being folded up and stored. Therefore, the folded foldable supporting frame can fit in a narrow storage space.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the folded foldable supporting frame is easily and quickly unfolded for use without any tools or devices so as to save time and to minimize any complicated steps.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame can be used as a support for liquid containers or household utensils.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame can support the appliance at a predetermined height from the ground, so as to keep the water or cleaning liquid from the ground for maintaining relative hygiene and cleanliness.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable container allows the water or cleaning liquid contained therein being automatically flowed out and drained.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable container is easily cleaned and is easy to actuate and keep dry.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein when the foldable supporting frame is folded, the container is automatically folded at the same time for facilitating the folding operation of the foldable container to convert from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein when the foldable supporting frame is unfolded, the container is automatically unfolded for facilitating the unfolding operation of the foldable container to convert from the folded mode to the unfolded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the container is pulled and folded to fold up the foldable supporting frame at the same time without any direct operation of the foldable supporting frame, so as to automatically move the foldable supporting frame from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein when the foldable container is in the unfolded mode, the foldable container can be pulled by a pulling action to easily fold up the foldable container from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein when the foldable container is at the unfolded mode, the foldable container allows a one-handed pulling operation to simplify the folding operation of the foldable container.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame can support the container to raise at a predetermined height so as to allow the user comfortably cleaning for children or pets, as an example. In other words, the foldable container allows the user to wash the child or pet in a standing position, which is beneficial to the health of the user, and is particularly beneficial to the back of the user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame is supported and raised at a predetermined height for the user to operate comfortably without bending the back of the user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the shape of the foldable supporting frame is restricted when it is folded without being pulled, such that the foldable supporting frame provides a stable supporting ability.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the foldable supporting frame will not be folded accidentally, such that the foldable supporting frame will maintain its stability when it is unfolded and in use.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the container body is flexible for easy to be folded, wherein the foldable supporting frame is a rigid frame to provide a support to the container body when the foldable container is in the unfolded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein the container body can be detached from the foldable supporting frame for easy transportation and storage.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein components of the foldable supporting frame are detachable for easy transportation and storage.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein according to some embodiments, an operation on the container body is able to fold up the container body and the foldable supporting frame.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein according to some embodiments, an operation on the foldable supporting frame is able to fold up the container body and the foldable supporting frame.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein according to some embodiments, the bottom wall of the container body is able to provide a flat and rigid surface to support the child or pet.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein according to some embodiments, the surrounding wall of the container body can be folded toward the bottom wall so as to fold up the container body.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, wherein according to some embodiments, the surrouding wall of the container body comprises a plurality of wall sections that can be overlapped with each other along one or more folding lines that is parallel to the bottom wall, so as to reduce the height of the container body when the container body is in the folded mode.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a foldable container, which comprises:

a foldable supporting frame;

at least one operation switch, wherein the operation switch is coupled with the foldable supporting frame to move the foldable supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode through a pulling operation of the operation switch; and

a container body, wherein the container body is supported on the foldable supporting frame, wherein the container body has a surrounding edge defining an opening thereof surrounded by the edge, wherein at the unfolded mode, the opening of the container body is opened, wherein at the folded mode, the opening of the container body is closed, wherein the container body is automatically folded as the foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container body is connected to the operation switch, wherein the operation switch is actuated by a pulling operation of the container body in order to fold up the foldable supporting frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supporting frame is driven to fold by a folding of the container body, wherein the foldable supporting frame is maintained at the unfolded mode by the support of the operation switch, such that when the operation switch is actuated to release the support of the foldable supporting frame, and the foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supporting frame comprises two folding arms and at least four supporting legs, wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the supporting legs, wherein the folding arms are pivotally connected with each other at the operation switch, wherein the folding arm and the supporting leg are pivotally rotated with each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supporting frame further comprises a pivot shaft, wherein each of the supporting legs is pivotally connected to each of the folding arms about the pivot shaft, wherein when the folding arm is rotated, the supporting leg is driven by the folding arm to rotate about the pivot shaft.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding arm further comprises a switch rod, wherein the switch rod is disposed at an end of one of the folding arms, wherein in the unfolded mode, the switch rod is supported by the operation switch to limit the movement between the two folding arms of the foldable support frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding arm further comprises a rotating rod, wherein two of the folding arms are pivotally connected to each other about the rotating rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating rod is placed in the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one of the folding arms is affixed to the operation switch, and another one is freely placed on the operation switch to form a fixed folding arm and a free rotatable folding arm respectively. The fixed folding arm and the rotating rod are arranged on the operation switch while the free rotatable folding arm is movably arranged on the operation switch about the rotating rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the free rotatable folding arm is further transversely connected with the switch rod, wherein when the folding arm is unfolded, the free rotatable folding arm is parallel to the fixed folding arm while the switch rod is supported by the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation switch comprises a main body, a slider and a resilient member, wherein the slider is movably disposed on the main body, the resilient member is connected to the main body, and the slider is affixed inside the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body is constructed and shaped to retain at the end of the folding arm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the free rotatable folding arm is rotatably held on the main body, wherein the fixed folding arm is firmly held on the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body is constructed to have two fixed arm cavities, two free arm cavities and a slider cavity, wherein the end of the fixed folding arm is affixed to the fixed arm cavity, and the rotating rod is laterally arranged in the fixed arm cavity, wherein the end of the free rotatable folding arm is movably placed in the free arm cavity and is rotatably connected about the rotating rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider has a supporting end, wherein the supporting end is formed with a unidirectional inclined sloping surface, wherein the supporting end is pushed by the switch rod to move, and the supporting end is configured to support the weight of the switch rod without being pushed back.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation switch is actuated by pulling a handle provided on the container body in order to fold the foldable supporting frame, wherein the operation switch further comprises a pulling strap, wherein the slider has a pulling end firmly connected to the pulling strap, wherein the pulling strap has one end connecting to the handle and the opposed end connecting the pulling end of the slider.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider is moved back to the slider cavity under the elastic force of the resilient member by pulling the pulling strap.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the supporting legs is coupled to an extension leg to raise the height of the container body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container body is constructed to have a surrounding wall and a bottom wall sealingly connected to the surrounding wall to form a bowl shape of the container body, wherein the bottom wall has a drain port for draining the liquid contained in the container body.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a foldable supporting frame, which comprises:

two folding arms;

at least four supporting legs; and

at least one operation switch, wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the supporting leg, wherein the supporting leg is pivotally rotated with the folding arm, wherein the folding arms are pivotally connected to the operation switch, wherein the operation switch is arranged on the folding arm to move the folding arms between an unfolded mode and a folded mode via a pulling force, wherein the folding arm is maintained in the unfolded mode by a support of the operation switch, wherein when the switch is actuated to release the support of the folding arm, the folding arm is moved from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a foldable supporting frame, which comprises:

a supporting frame; and

at least one operation switch, wherein the switch is arranged on the supporting frame and is actuated through a pulling operation by a pulling force to move the supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode, wherein the supporting frame is maintained at the unfolded mode by a support of the operation switch, wherein the operation switch is actuated to release the support of the supporting frame so as to automatically move the supporting frame from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein supporting frame comprises two folding arms and at least four supporting legs, wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the supporting legs, wherein the folding arms are pivotally connected to the operation switch and are asymmetrical to each other, wherein the folding arm and the supporting leg are pivot and rotate mutually.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation switch is movably connected to the supporting frame, wherein the operation switch is actuated via a pulling force to fold the supporting frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting frame is opened to be unfolded and supported by the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting frame further comprises a pivot shaft, wherein each of the supporting legs is pivotally connected to each of the folding arms about the pivot shaft, wherein when the folding arm is rotated, the supporting leg is driven to rotate about the pivot shaft by the folding arm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the free rotatable folding arm is further connected transversely to the switch rod, wherein the switch rod can be supported by the switch, wherein when the folding arm is unfolded, the free rotatable arm is parallel to the fixed folding arm while the switch rod is supported by the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supporting frame further comprises a container body, wherein the container body is arranged on the supporting frame, and the container body is folded to be closed as the supporting frame is folded, wherein the container body is opened as the supporting frame is unfolded.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a foldable supporting frame, which comprises:

a supporting frame; and

at least one operation switch, wherein the operation switch is arranged on the supporting frame and is actuated through a pulling operation by a pulling force to move the supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode, wherein the supporting frame is maintained at the unfolded mode by a support of the operation switch, wherein the operation switch is actuated to release the support of the supporting frame so as to automatically move the supporting frame from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein the operation switch comprises a main body, a slider and a resilient member, wherein the slider is movably arranged on the main body, wherein the resilient member is connected to the main body and the slider, wherein the slider is affixed inside the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supporting frame further comprises a container body, wherein the container body has an edge and an opening formed around the edge, wherein at the unfolded mode, the opening of the container body is opened, wherein at the folded mode, the opening of the container body is closed, wherein the container body is automatically folded as the foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a folding method for a foldable supporting frame, which comprises the steps of:

folding a container body via a pulling force; and

when folding up the container body, folding the foldable supporting frame from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein at the unfolded mode, the container body is supported by the foldable supporting frame, and at the folded mode, the foldable supporting frame and the container body are folded together.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded mode according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable container at a folded mode according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the foldable container at the folded mode according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates the supporting structure of the foldable container at the unfolded mode according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the supporting frame of the foldable container according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an application of the foldable container at the unfolded mode according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate an unfolding operation of the foldable container according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate a folding operation of the foldable container according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded mode according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9B illustrate an unfolding operation of the foldable container according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A to 10B illustrate a folding operation of the foldable container according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded mode according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an application of the foldable container at the unfolded mode according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the foldable container serving as a rocking container.

FIG. 13 illustrates an application of the foldable container at the unfolded mode according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the foldable container serving as a baby crib.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded mode according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the foldable container according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the foldable container at an folded mode according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating the container body of the foldable container being folded from the unfolded mode to the folded mode according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional along line A-A in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views illustrating the foldable supporting frame of the foldable container in the unfolded mode according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19C is a perspective views illustrating the foldable supporting frame of the foldable container in the folded mode according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable container according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a scheamtic view illustrating the foldable container in the unfolded mode according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded mode according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the foldable container according to the above sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable supporting frame of the foldable container at a folded mode according to the above sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable container in the unfolded mode according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating the foldable container in the folded mode according to the above seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, and “interior” in the following description refer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanying drawings for easy understanding of the present invention without limiting the actual location or orientation of the present invention. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual location limitation of the elements of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “one”, “a”, and “an” in the following description refer to “at least one” or “one or more” in the embodiment. In particular, the term “a” in one embodiment may refer to “one” while in another embodiment may refer to “more than one”. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual numerical limitation of the elements of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13 of the drawings, a foldable container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the foldable container is suitable for containing water or liquid for cleaning therein to serve as a bathtub or a swimming pool. The foldable container comprises a foldable supporting frame 10, an operation switch 20 being operated through a pulling operation by a pulling force to operate and move the foldable supporting frame 10 between an unfolded mode and a folded mode, and a container body 30 being placed and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10. In other words, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, the container body 30 is also unfolded for containing the liquid therein. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is moved to its folded mode, the container body 30 and the foldable supporting frame 10 are folded together, such that the entire foldable container can be stored in a folded state.

Preferably, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, the container body 30 is automatically unfolded along with the folding operation of the foldable supporting frame 10. In other words, during the folding process of the foldable supporting frame 10, the container body 30 is automatically folded when the foldable supporting frame 10 is folded. Preferably, the foldable supporting frame 10 is a rigid frame that is made of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, metal alloy, and plastic. Metal of the material of the foldable supporting frame 10 may be Iron, Copper, or Aluminium. The container body 30 is preferably a flexible body that is made of a flexible water-proof material such as PE (Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PP (Polypropylene) and TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes). Accordingly, the flexible container body 30 is constructed to be easy to be folded up with a folding of the foldable supporting frame 10 and unfolded with an unfolding of the foldable supporting frame 10, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, the foldable supporting frame 10 is supported in the unfolded mode by the operation switch 20 to provide a rigid support to the container body 30, and the operation switch 20 is able to be operated to release the rigid support of the foldable supporting frame 10 when the foldable supporting frame 10 is operated from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

It is worth mentioning that the present invention provides a single pulling operation referring to the one-way mode when the foldable container is operated to moved and converted from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. In other words, operating the foldable container at the same direction can move the foldable container from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. Preferably, the single pulling operation in the present invention refers to the one-way pulling operation when operating the foldable container to move from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. In other words, pulling the foldable container at the same direction at one time can move the foldable container from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. It is appreciated that those skilled in the art should understand that pulling the foldable container at the same direction in different stages can also move the foldable container from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. For example, pulling the foldable container twice toward the same direction can also move the foldable container from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container body 30 according to the preferred embodiment is fixedly coupled at the foldable supporting frame 10. The container body 30 is driven by the foldable supporting frame 10 to be folded and unfolded. When the container body 30 is needed to be unfolded, the foldable supporting frame 10 is operated to unfold the container body 30. It is worth mentioning that the foldable container can be unfolded as a whole system without any additional step. No additional step is required to open up the container body 30 or improve the stability of the container body 30. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is operated to expand and unfolded, the container body 30 is simultaneously expanded at its setup state. In addition, folding up the container body 30 by folding the foldable supporting frame 10 is similar. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is folded, the foldable supporting frame 10 will drive the container body 30 to fold. Therefore, the folding or unfolding of the foldable container can be easily operated.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the foldable supporting frame 10 comprises at least two top supporting arms 11, at least two folding arms 12, and at least four supporting legs 13. Each of the top supporting arms 11 is placed on the folding arm 12 and the supporting leg 13, wherein the folding arm 12 and the top supporting arm 11 are supported by the supporting leg 13. Preferably, the number of the top supporting arms 11, the folding arms 12 and the supporting legs 13 are corresponding, wherein each of the top supporting arm 11 and each of the folding arms 12 are correspondingly supported by the supporting leg 13.

It is worth mentioning that the folding arms 12 are pivotally connected to each other by the operation switch 20. The rotation of the folding arm 12 is configured to drive the folding or unfolding movement of the top supporting arm 11 and the supporting leg 13. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is in the folded mode, the two folding arms 12 are arranged to be folded and overlapped each other. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is in the unfolded mode, the two folding arms 12 are arranged to be unfolded to open and extended flatly. Therefore, when the folding arm 12 is folded, the top supporting arm 11 and the supporting leg 13 are folded following the folding operation of the folding arm 12. Therefore, by only folding the folding arm 12, the entire foldable supporting frame 10 is folded, which is convenient in operation. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is folded, the container body 30 is correspondingly folded.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the operation switch 20 is connected to two ends of the two folding arms 12 to control the foldable supporting frame 10 to switch between folding and unfolding. The switch 20 can be further operated by being pulled to move the folding arm 12 from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. In other words, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is in the unfolded mode, the operation switch 20 is pulled to drive and move the folding arm 12. In other words, the folding arm 12 is folded due to gravity and loss of supportability. Though the pulling operation, the operation switch 20 is pulled to fold the foldable supporting frame 10.

Specifically, the two folding arms 12 are pivotally connected with each other around a rotating rod 121, wherein the rotating rod 121 is placed between the ends of the two folding arms 12. The rotating rod 121 is installed into the operation switch 20. The two folding arms 12 are rotated around the operation switch 20, wherein the operation switch 20 is configured to restrict the rotations of the folding arms 12 relative to each other. According to the first embodiment, one of the folding arms 12 is fixed to the operation switch 20, while another folding arm 12 is relatively free to rotate relative to the operation switch 20. In other words, one of the folding arms 12 is defined as a fixed folding arm 1202, and another folding arm 12 is a free rotatable folding arm 1201. The fixed folding arm 1202 is installed into the operation switch 20 together with the rotating rod 121. The free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotatably coupled at the operation switch 20 around the rotating rod 121.

In addition, the rotation of the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201 around the rotating rod 121 are asymmetrical. In other words, when the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201 are folded with each other, the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201 are staggered and stacked with each other and will not contact or collide with each other. On one side, the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201 will not be mechanically damaged during the folding and unfolding operations. On the other side, after folding, a retention channel is formed between the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201.

It is worth mentioning that the end of the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is further transversely connected to a switch rod 122. When the folding arm 12 is flatly unfolded, the switch rod 122 is firmly supported by the operation switch 20, wherein the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is parallel to the fixed folding arm 1202. When the switch rod 122 is supported, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is relatively supported on the same side of the fixed folding arm 1202. When the operation switch 20 is configured to keep supporting the switch rod 122, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is configured to remains relative parallel to the fixed folding arm 1202. When the switch rod 122 is released from the operation switch 20, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 will lose its support. Under the action of gravity force, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 will rotate around the rotating rod 121 and fold toward the fixed folding arm 1202. In other words, when the switch rod 122 is supported by the operation switch 20, due to the restriction of the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12 is unfolded and is difficult to change its position. Once the switch rod 122 is detached from the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12 can rotate around the rotating rod 121 to be folded. Therefore, the folding arm 12 is controlled by the operation switch 20 for controlling the movement of the folding arm 12, wherein the folding position or the unfolding position of the foldable supporting frame 10 is indirectly controlled by the operation switch 20.

In addition, the supporting legs 13 and the folding arms 12 are pivotally connected to pivot shafts 130 respectively. When the folding arm 12 is operated to rotate around the rotating rod 121, the angle and distance between the folding arms 12 are changed while the supporting leg 13 is driven to rotate around the pivot shafts 130. Each of the supporting legs 13, each of the folding arms 12, and the pivot shaft 130 are formed into a rotatable X-shaped frame. Since the movements of the folding arms 12 are transmitted to the supporting legs 13, the supporting legs 13 are automatically moved for being further folded or unfolded via the folding arms 12.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the container body 30 is detachably connected to the foldable supporting frame 10. The container body 30 can be further removed from the folding supporting frame 10 for being and cleaned or disinfected.

Furthermore, the top supporting arm 11 is driven to rotate by the supporting leg 13 via a folding assembly 110, wherein the folding assembly 110 is installed at the top of the supporting leg 13. When the supporting leg 13 is folded or unfolded as the folding arm 12 rotates, the top supporting arm 11 is driven to rotate around the folding assembly 110. Each of the supporting legs 13, each of the top supporting arms 11, and the folding assembly 110 are formed into a rotatable inversed V-shaped frame. Since the folding assembly 110 is driven, it is not necessary to fold or unfold the supporting leg 13 because the movement of the folding assembly 110 will be transmitted to the supporting leg 13.

In detail, the folding assembly 110 comprises a rotatable base 111 and a linkage unit 112. The rotatable base 111 is coupled at the end of the top supporting arm 11 to receive the upper end of the supporting leg 13 in the rotatable base 111. The linkage unit 12 comprises two linkage members 1121 respectively mounted on the top end of the supporting leg 13 and the end of the top supporting arm 11. The linkage members 1121 are connected by link shafts 1122, so that the angle between each top supporting arm 11 and each supporting leg 13 can be controlled and has a maximum angle limitation. Each of the top supporting arms 11, each of the supporting legs 13 and the linkage member 1121 are formed in an A shape, wherein the top supporting arms 11 will drive the supporting legs 13 to move, while the supporting legs 13 will drive the top supporting arm 11 to move around the rotatable base 111.

Preferably, by operating the operation switch 20 to release the switch rod 122 and to fold the folding arm 12, the supporting leg 13 and the top supporting arm 11 are corresponding folded. Preferably, the top supporting arm 11 is expanded to further drive the folding arm 12 to be supported on the operation switch 20 and to drive the supporting leg 13 to expand.

Furthermore, each of the supporting legs 13 is configured for correspondingly installing an extension leg 14 for increasing the height of the top supporting arm 11 and keeping the container body 30 on the top supporting arm 11 in a preset position, as shown in FIG. 5. Through the extension legs 14, the container body 30 is supported and raised above the ground for hygienic and cleaning purpose while the water or cleaning liquid is contained in the container body 30. As a result, the user can comfortably use the container body 30 without bending the user's body.

The container body 30 comprises a surrounding wall 31 and a bottom wall 32 sealingly connected to the surrounding wall 31 to form the container body 30 having a bowl shape and a surrounding edge 310 defining an opening thereof surrounded by the edge 310. The edge 310 of the surrounding wall 31 is disposed on the top supporting arm 11 of the foldable supporting frame 10. In one alternative mode of the present invention, the container body 30 is detachably mounted on the top supporting arm 11 for replacement. The container body 30 further comprises at least one pocket 33 placed on the surrounding wall 31. The pocket 33 is configured for keeping other items therein to facilitate the reaching of items when using liquid for cleaning or playing in the container body 30.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3B, the edge 310 of the surrounding wall 31 is constructed to have a fixing rib 312 and an edge sleeve 311, wherein the fixing rib 312 is configured to pass through the edge sleeve 311, such that the edge 310 is supported with its shape. The top supporting arm 11 further comprises a rod body 101, wherein the rod body 101 has a fixing cavity 102 formed on one side of the rod body 101. The fixing cavity 102 is extended through the rod body 101, wherein the edge 310 of the surrounding wall 31 is installed inside the fixing cavity 102.

Specifically, the fixing rib 312 is extended into the fixing cavity 102 of the rod body 101, such that the edge sleeve 311 to be carried is suspended and fixed to the rod body 101. In the first embodiment, the fixing cavity 102 of the rod body 101 has a U-shaped configuration, wherein the fixing rib 312 is configured to enter from an opening of the fixing cavity 102 into the fixing cavity 102. Furthermore, the edge sleeve 311 is formed in a U-shape and is also connected to the rod body 101 of the top supporting arm 11 in a U-shape. When the surrounding wall 31 is needed to be disassembled, the fixing rib 312 relatively removed from the fixing cavity 102 of the rod body 101, wherein the fixing rib 312 is completely removed from the top supporting arm 11. Preferably, the rod body 101 is pulled to release the supportability of the edge sleeve 311. More preferably, the fixing rib 312 is detachably connected to the sleeve edge 311, such that the sleeve edge 311 can be further folded or cleaned.

It is worth mentioning that the bottom wall 32 has a drain port 322 for draining the water or cleaning liquid in the container body 30. Preferably, the drain port 322 is set at the lowest location or area of the bottom wall 32 for effectively draining the liquid in the container body 30. The drain port 322 is able to connect a drain pipe 40 to allow liquid to flow out of the container body 30 along the drain pipe 40. A drain plug can be detachably plugged at the drain port 322 to prevent the liquid being drained out the container body 30 through the drain port 322.

Particularly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7C, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is in the folded mode, the drain pipe 40 is located in the retention channel. The retention channel is formed with a predetermined width because of the asymmetric folding of the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201. The drain pipe 40 is located in the retention channel and will not be pressed by the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201. In other words, the drain pipe 40 is held in the retention channel at the folded mode, wherein the drain pipe 40 is enclosed between two sides of the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201. Therefore, the drain pipe 40 will not be damaged by any external impact, and the drain pipe 40 is kept in a certain position to avoid any unwanted movement, vibration or swinging.

The bottom wall 32 further comprises a handle 321 connected to the operation switch 20. The operation switch 20 can be operated by operating the handle 321 to fold the folding arm 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation switch 20 comprises a main body 21, a slider 22 movably coupled at the main body 21, and a resilient member 23 connecting the main body 21 to the slider 22 so as to fasten the slider 22 in the main body 21. The main body 21 is constructed to have a shape for being held on the end of one of the folding arms 12. Particularly, the main body 21 is rotatably coupled at the free folding arm 1201 and fixedly coupled at the fixed rotatable folding arm 1202. It is worth mentioning that the slider 22 is partially protruded out of the main body 21 due to the elastic force of the resilient member 23. When the resilient member 23 is configured to push the slider 22 protruding out of the main body 21, the slider 23 can support the folding arm 12 in place. Once the slider 22 is configured to move inside the main body 21, the folding arm 12 will lose support, such that the folding arm 12 will fall down and rotate around the rotating rod 121. When the folding arm 12 is no longer supported by the slider 22 of the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12 is folded. As a result, the two folding arms 12 are folded to overlap each other.

When the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotated, is supported by the slider 22, and is parallel to the fixed folding arm 1202, the folding arm 12 is unfolded flatly, while the folding supporting frame 10 is in the unfolded mode. When the slider 22 is configured to move back in the main body 21, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is configured to drop and overlappedly fold with the fixed folding arm 1202.

According to the preferred embodiment, the main body 21 is formed with two fixed arm cavities 211, two free arm cavities 212 and a slider cavity 213. The end of the fixed folding arm 1202 is fixedly coupled in the fixed arm cavity 211, and the rotating rod 121 is configured to pass through the fixed arm cavity 211. The end of the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is movably arranged in the free arm cavity 212 and rotatably connected around the rotating rod 121. Therefore, the rotating rod 121 is configured to pass through the fixed arm cavity 211 and the free arm cavity 212. In other words, both ends of the free rotatable folding arm 1201 and both ends of the fixed folding arm 1202 surround the rotating rod 121. The fixed folding arm 1202 and the fixed arm cavity 211 of the main body 21 remain stationary, wherein the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is configured to rotate in the free arm cavity 212 of the main body 21. The slider 22 is movably disposed in the slider cavity 213 to be moved in or pushed by the resilient member 23 to move out of the slider cavity 213.

The switch rod 122 is located outside of the main body 21 and is configured to apply a pushing force to the slider 22 to move the slider 22 backward in the slider cavity 213. When the switch rod 122 is lifted to force the slider 22 to move in, and when the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotated around the rotating rod 121 to expand, the slider 22 is pushed to move back into the slider cavity 213. When the switch rod 122 passes over the slider 22 that no force is applied to the slider 22, the slider 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the resilient member 213 to protrude out of the slider cavity 213 again. The switch rod 122 is then supported by the slider 22 when protrude out of the slider cavity 213. Under this circumstances, the switch rod 122 cannot push the slider 22 back, and the slider 22 bears the weight of the switch rod 122. When the slider 22 is kept protruding out of the slider cavity 213 and the switch rod 122 is still supported by the slider 22 of the operation switch 20, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 and the fixed folding arm 1202 are relatively unfolded, while the folding arm 12 is laid flat and stable.

The slider 22 has a supporting end 221 defining a unidirectional inclined sloping surface. The switch rod 122 is configured to push the supporting end 221 along the sloping surface thereof. The supporting end 221 of the slider 22 is configured to support the switch rod 122 on the planar surface thereof to bear the weight of the switch rod 122 so as to prevent the switch rod 122 being pushed back.

The slider 22 has a pulling end 222 firmly connected to a pulling strap 24. By pulling out the pulling strap 24, the slider 22 is configured to resist the elastic force of the resilient member 23 and to move backward in the slider cavity 213.

The slider 22 further comprises a stopper 223 protruded from the main body 21 to engage with the slider 22 inside the slider cavity 213 for preventing the slider 22 from moving out of the slider cavity 213 via the pushing force of the resilient member 23. In other words, the slider 22 is pushed by the resilient member 23 and is held by the stopper 223 in order to be held in the slider cavity 213. Also, the slider 22 is restricted to move along a specific path in the slider cavity 213. According to the preferred embodiment, the slider 22 further comprises at least one slide rail 2134 formed inside the slider cavity 213 to limit the moving direction and distance of the slider 22. The slider 22 further comprises at least one sliding leg 224, wherein the sliding leg 224 is correspondingly engaged with the sliding rail 2134 of the sliding block cavity 213.

The slider cavity 213 has a supporting opening 2131 corresponding to the free rotatable folding arm 1201 and a pulling opening 2132 corresponding to the fixed folding arm 1202. The slider 22 is pushed by the resilient member 23 to protrude out from the supporting opening 2131, wherein when the slider 22 is pressed by the switch rod 122, the slider 22 is pulled back toward the pulling opening 2132. The slider cavity 213 further has a limitation window 2133. The limitation window 2133 is preferably located at the top of the main body 21. The limitation window 2133 is configured to accommodate the stopper 223 of the slider 22 inside the limitation window 2133. The limitation window 2133 is configured to block the stopper 223 and move within the area of the limitation window 2133. In other alternative modes, the limitation window 2133 can be shaped as a groove to limit the movement of the stopper 223.

The pulling strap 24 is extended out of the main body 21 through the pulling opening 2132 from the pulling end 222 of the sliding block 22. When the pulling strap 24 is actuated to pull the slider 22 back to the slider cavity 213, the supporting end 221 is moved backward, such that the support of the switch rod 122 is dismissed due to the backward movement of the supporting end 221. The stopper 223 is restricted to continuously move backward by the limitation window 2133, so as to avoid further movement of the slider 22.

The pulling strap 24 has one end connecting to the handle 321 at the bottom wall 21 of the container body 30 and an opposed end connecting to the slider 22. Therefore, when the handle 321 is pulled to lift the container body 30, the pulling strap 24 is configured to transmit the pulling force to pull the slider 22 to move the slider 22 into the slider cavity 213. Only one action of pulling the handle 321 of the container body 30 is required for operating the operation switch to fold the foldable supporting frame 10.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the foldable container during the unfolding process according to the preferred embodiment are shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

When the foldable container is actuated for being used, as an example, the top supporting arms 11 are opened from the folded mode. The top supporting arms 11 are configured to drive the supporting legs 13 to move and expand around the folding assembly 110. The supporting legs 13 are configured to drive the folding arms 12 to open about the pivot shafts 130. In other words, the folding arms 12 are driven to rotate about the pivot shafts 130 by the movements of the supporting legs 13. When the folding arms 12 are unfolded to lay flat on each other, the folding arms 12 are rotated about the rotating rod 121. The folding arm 12 will be supported by the operation switch 20 to restrict its further movement.

Specifically, when the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotated to the fixed folding arm 1202, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotated to be supported by the slider 22 of the operation switch 20 and is parallel to the fixed folding arm 1202, such that the folding arms 12 are expand to lay flat on each other. The foldable support frame 10 is in the unfolded mode. When the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is driven to rotate, the switch rod 122 is lifted to apply the force to the supporting end 221 of the slider 22. Then the slider 22 is pushed to move back into the slider cavity 213. After the switch rod 122 is continuously raised to pass over the slider 22, the slider 22 is not affect by the force, such that the slider 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the resilient member 23 to protrude out of the slider cavity 213. The switch rod 122 is supported on the slider 22 when the slider 22 is protruded out of the slider cavity 213. Under this circumstance, the switch rod 122 cannot push the slider 22 back by exerts its weight on the slider 22. Therefore, the folding arm 12 is unfolded and is stably supported by the switch 20. The foldable support frame 10 is moved at its unfolded mode. The container body 30 is opened up as the top supporting arms 11 are expanded.

Accordingly, as the top supporting arm 11 of the foldable support frame 10 is unfolded, the folding arm 12 is stably supported by the operation switch 20. Furthermore, under the movement of the top supporting arm 11, the container body 30 is actuated to be opened.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the foldable container during the folding process according to the preferred embodiment are shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C.

In order to fold the foldable container, the handle 321 is pulled to lift the container body 30, such that the pulling strap 24 will transmit a pulling force to pull the slider 22 to move back in the slider cavity 213. When the folding arm 12 is unfolded, the supporting end 221 will support the switch rod 122 on its planar surface to bear the weight of the switch rod 122 without being pushed back. When the slider 22 is moved backward in the slider cavity 213, the slider 22 will resist the elastic force of the resilient member 23. The switch rod 122 of the folding arm 12 will be dropped after losing the supportability so as to cause the free rotatable folding arm 1201 to rotate about the rotating rod 121. In other words, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is dropped and folded with the fixed folding arm 1202.

When two arm portions of the folding arm 12 are folded with each other, the top supporting arms 11 and the supporting legs 13 are also folded accordingly. The rotation of the folding arm 12 will drive the supporting legs 13 to move about the pivot shafts 130. In other words, the supporting legs 13 are configured to rotate with the folding movements of the folding arms 12, such that the top supporting arm 11 is driven to rotate around the folding assembly 110 to be folded.

Accordingly, when the pulling strap 24 is pulled to operate the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12 will lose the support of the operation switch 20. Then, when folding arm 12 is folded due to gravity, the supporting legs 13, the top supporting arms 11 and the container body 30 are also folded along with the folding movements of the folding arms 12. Therefore, the foldable container is folded up by one single pulling action.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10B, a foldable container according to a second embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the difference between the first and second embodiments is that the container body 30′ is detachably coupled on the foldable supporting frame 10′. It is worth mentioning that the container body 30′ can be any conventional container suitable for being carried by the foldable supporting frame 10′.

The foldable supporting frame 10′ comprises at least two folding arms 12′ and at least four supporting legs 13′. Preferably, the number of the folding arms 12′ and the number of the supporting legs 13′ are designed accordingly. Each of the folding arms 12′ is correspondingly supported by the two supporting legs 13′.

In addition, according to the embodiment, the supporting legs 13′ are pivotally connected to each other about the pivot shaft 130′ and are driven by the folding arms 12 to rotate about the pivot shaft 130′. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, as the folding arms 12′ rotate about the rotating rod 121′ to be folded or unfolded, the angle and distance between the folding arms 12′ will change. The supporting legs 13′ are also driven to rotate about the pivot shaft 130′.

According to the second embodiment, two of the operation switches 20 are installed on one of the folding arms 12′. The operation switch 20 has the same structure and function as the above-mentioned first embodiment, and thus not be repeated here. However, the switch rod 122′ is designed and shaped differently. The switch rod 122′ is integrally formed on the folding arm 12′ for providing supporting purpose.

In addition, FIGS. 9A to 9B illustrate the relationship and movement of unfolding the foldable container according to the preferred embodiment.

The foldable supporting frame 10′ is opened from the folded mode. The supporting legs 13′ are driven by the folding arms 12′ and are expanded about the pivot shafts 130′. The supporting legs 13′ can drive the folding arms 12′ to be opened. When the folding arms 12′ are unfolded to lay flat with each other, the folding arms 12′ are rotated about the rotating rod 121′. The folding arm 12′ will be supported by the operation switch 20 to restrict further downward movement, and further upward movement is restricted by the supporting leg 13′ and the pivot shaft 130′.

Specifically, when one of the folding arms 12′ is rotated toward another folding arm 12, the switch rod 122′ is lifted to the supporting end 211 of the slider 22. Each of the sliders 22 is configured to support the side of the switch rod 122′, such that the switch rod 122′ is symmetrically supported by the two operation switches 20. Then, each of the sliders 22 is pushed by the switch rod 122′ to move into the slider cavity 213, such that the switch rod 122′ will continue to lift and pass the slider 22. Each of the sliders 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the resilient member 23 so as to protrude out of the slider cavity 213 again. The switch rod 122′ is supported by the slider 22 and placed on the two operation switches 20 when the slider 22 is protruded out of the slider cavity 213. Under the circumstance, the switch rod 112′ cannot push the slider 22 backward, and the weight of the switch rod 122′ is supported on the slider 22. Then, the folding arm 12′ is unfolded and is stably supported by the operation switch 20. The foldable supporting frame 10′ is then moved at the unfolded mode. The container body 30′ can be placed on the folding arms 12′.

Accordingly, as the folding arm 12′ or the supporting leg 13′ of the foldable supporting frame 10′ is unfolded, the folding arm 12′ is stably supported by the operation switch 20, such that the switch lever 122′ can support the weight of the container body 30′.

In addition, relationship and movement of the foldable container during the folding process according to the preferred embodiment are shown in FIGS. 10A to 10B.

When the folding arm 12′ is unfolded, the switch rod 122′ is supported on the planar surface of the supporting end 221 to support the weight of the switch rod 122′ without being pushed back. In order to fold the foldable container, it is necessary to pull the two pulling straps 24′, such that each slider 22 is moved backward in the slider cavity 213. Each of the sliders 22 is pulled back in the slider cavity 213 against the elastic force of the resilient member 23. The switch rod 122′ of the folding arm 12′ will lose the support, and then will fall and rotate about the rotating rod 121′. In other words, one of the folding arms 12′ is dropped for being folded with another folding arm 12′. The rotation of the folding arm 12′ will drive the supporting leg 13′ to move about the pivot shaft 130′. In other words, as the folding arm 12′ is folded, the supporting leg 13′ is rotated correspondingly.

Normally, when the pulling strap 24 is pulled to actuate the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12′ will lose the support provided by the operation switch 20. Then the folding arm 12′ is folded by its own gravity, wherein the supporting leg 13′ is folded as the folding arm 12′ is folded. Therefore, the foldable container is folded by the single pulling action.

In an alternative mode of the present invention, two pulling straps 24 can be connected end-to-end. Then, by pulling only one of the pulling straps 24, the two operation switches 20 can be operated. In addition, the two ends of the pulling strap 24 are securely fastened to the two sliders 22 respectively. By pulling the pulling strap 24, the two operation switches 20 are operated at the same time.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, a foldable container according to a third embodiment illustrates another alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the difference between the first and third embodiment is that the third embodiment further comprises a mattress 50A disposed in the container body 30, such that the container body 30 serves as a bed or a resting basket.

In other words, at least two folding arms 12 and at least four supporting legs 13 are correspondingly configured, wherein each of the folding arms 12 is correspondingly supported by two supporting legs 13. Similarly, the supporting legs 13 are pivotally connected to each other about the pivot shaft 130, wherein the supporting leg 13 is driven by the folding arm 12 to rotate about the pivot shaft 130. As the folding arms 12 rotate about the rotating rod 121 to fold or unfold, the angle and distance between the folding arms 12 change. The supporting leg 13 is also driven to rotate about the pivot shaft 130. The operation switch 20 is coupled at one of the folding arms 12. The operation switch 20 has the same structure and function as the above mentioned first embodiment, and thus not being repeated here.

It is worth mentioning that the extension legs 14A of the foldable supporting frame 10 are implemented differently in the third embodiment. The extension leg 14A further comprises a rocking frame 141A, two corner frames 142A, and two foot stands 143A, wherein the rocking frame 141A is an elongated bar shape and is formed in a curved manner, wherein two ends of the rocking frame 141A is coupled to the two corner frames 142A respectively, wherein the foot stands 143A are pivotally coupled at the corner frames 142A respectively. The rocking frame 141A is arranged extended along a lower part of the supporting leg 13 in a convex manner for supporting on the ground. Each of the foot stands 143A comprises a supporting stand 1431A and a swinging stand 1432A integrally extended therefrom. For retaining the extension leg 14A at a stationary position, the supporting stands 1431A are rotatably extended toward a direction of the supporting leg 13 away from the rocking frame 141A and are rotatably folded away from each other to stand on the ground. For retaining the extension leg 14A at a rocking position, the supporting stands 1431A are rotatably folded to overlap with the rocking frame 141A, wherein the swinging stands 1432A are outwardly extended from the two corner frames 142A for limiting a rocking motion of the rocking frame 141A.

Furthermore, the supporting stand 1431A and the swinging stand 1432A are integrally formed in a one-piece member and are rotatably coupled at the corner frames 142A respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, when the swinging stand 1432A is rotated to extend to the direction of the supporting leg 13, the rocking frame 141A is supported on the ground. Via the curvature of the rocking frame 141A, the extension legs 14 can be rocked at a sideward rocking motion. Therefore, when the mattress 50A is placed in the container body 30, the container body 30 serves as a baby crib or baby cradle for a baby resting therein.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the supporting stands 1431A are rotatably extended to the direction of the supporting leg 13, the supporting stands 1431A are supported on the ground, such that the rocking frame 141A is raised above the ground. Then, the extension leg 14A is stably supported on the ground with four ground points. Therefore, when the mattress 50A is placed on the container body 30A, the container body 30A serves as a infant bed for a baby, and the foldable supporting frame 10 serves as a rocking bed for the baby.

It is worth mentioning that the operation of the extension legs 14A will not affect the unfolding and folding operations of the foldable supporting frame 10. The mattress 50A further comprises with a mattress handle 51A, wherein the mattress handle 51A is connected to the operation switch 20 to be pulled up for actuating the folding operation of the operation switch 20.

According to the preferred embodiment, the present invention further provides a folding method for the foldable container, which comprises the steps of:

folding the container body 30 via a pulling force; and

when folding up the container body 30, folding the foldable supporting frame 10 from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein at the unfolded mode, the container body 30 is supported by the foldable supporting frame 10, and at the folded mode, the foldable supporting frame and the container body 30 are folded together.

Specifically, the container body 30 is connected with the operation switch 20, wherein the operation switch 20 is actuated to fold the foldable supporting frame 10. In other words, the operation of the container body 30 is configured to drive the operation of the operation switch 20, thereby realizing the folding operation of the foldable supporting frame from the container body 30. Since the container body 30 is folded by the pulling action to fold up the foldable supporting frame 10 at the same time, the entire folding operation of the foldable container is automatically actuated and completed by one pulling action.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 19C of the drawings, a foldable container according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. wherein the foldable container is suitable for containing water or liquid for cleaning a child or pet. The foldable container comprises a supporting frame 10B which is preferably a foldable supporting frame 10B, an operation switch 20 being operated to operate and move the foldable supporting frame 10B between an unfolded mode and a folded mode, and a container body 30B being placed and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10B. In other words, when the foldable supporting frame 10B is unfolded, the container body 30B can be unfolded to define a receiving cavity 35B and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10B for containing the liquid therein. When the foldable supporting frame 10B is moved to its folded mode, the container body 30B and the foldable supporting frame 10B can be folded together, such that the entire foldable container can be stored in a folded state.

According to this preferred embodiment, the container body 30B can be compressed to move from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. In other words, the container body 30B can be pressed along a height direction so as to reduce a thickness of the container body 30B in the folded mode. More specifically, in this embodiment, the container body 30B comprises a surrounding wall 31B, a bottom wall 32B connected to the surrounding wall 31B, and a top wall 34B circumferentially connected to the surrounding wall 31B. The surrounding wall 31B is a foldable wall that can be folded between the bottom wall 32B and the top wall 34B, so as to form a compact structure.

The surrounding wall 31B can be made of material more flexible than the top wall 34B and the bottom wall 32B so that the surrounding wall 31B can be folded to move the container body 30B from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. As an example, the surrounding wall 31B can be made of TPR (Thermo-Plastic-Rubber) while the top wall 34B and the bottom wall 32B can be made of PP (Polypropylene). The bottom wall 32B can be made of a relatively rigid material, so that the bottom wall 32B is able to provide a stable support to the child or pet when the child or pet is standing or sitting on the bottom wall 32B of the container body 30B, and thus no additional supporting pad such as the mattress 50A is required.

The top wall 34B and the bottom wall 32B can be made by an injection molding process, and the surrounding wall 31B can be formed between the top wall 34B and the bottom wall 32B after an injection molding process. The surrounding wall 31B comprises at least one folding line 313B dividing the surrounding wall 31B into a plurality of wall sections 314B, the plurality of wall sections 314B can be folded along the corresponding folding line 313B between two adjacent wall sections 314B so that the plurality of wall sections 314B can be overlapped between the top wall 34B and the bottom wall 32B, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18.

In this preferred embodiment, the surrounding wall 31B can be folded toward the top wall 34B so as to move the container body 30B from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. A pushing operation on the bottom of the bottom wall 32B can fold the plurality of wall sections 314B toward the top wall 34B, so as to move the container body 30B into the folded mode.

Similarly, the foldable supporting frame 10B comprises at least two folding arms 12B and at least four supporting legs 13B that are correspondingly configured and connected, wherein each of the folding arms 12B is correspondingly supported by two supporting legs 13B. Similarly, the supporting legs 13B are pivotally connected to each other about pivot arms 131B, wherein the supporting leg 13B is driven by the folding arm 12B to rotate about the pivot arm 131B. As the folding arms 12B rotate about the rotating rod 121B to fold or unfold, the angle and distance between the folding arms 12B change. The supporting leg 13B is also driven to rotate about the pivot arm 131B. The operation switch 20B is coupled at one of the folding arms 12B. The operation switch 20B has the same structure and function as the above mentioned first embodiment, and thus not being repeated here.

The top wall 34B is a circumferential wall that is preferably detachably coupled to the supporting legs 13B. As an example, the top wall 34B has two coupling holes 341B while each of the supporting legs 13B comprises a hook portion 132B provided on the pivot arm 131B or on the body portion of the corresponding supporting leg 13B for engaging with the corresponding coupling hole 341B. The person of ordinary skilled in the art should understand that any other connecting means can be introduced to detachably couple the container body 30B to the supporting legs 13B of the foldable supporting frame 10B.

The container body 30B may be pivotally connected to the foldable suppoting frame, so that when the foldable container is in the folded mode, as show in FIG. 16 of the drawings, the plurality of wall sections 314B of the surrounding wall 31B of the conainer body 30B is folded toward the top wall 34B and the container body 30B rotates to align with the two folding arms 12B, so as to form a compact structure that is easy for storage and transportation. When the foldable container is in the unfolded mode, the plurality of wall sections 314B of the surrounding wall 31B of the container body 30B are unfolded and the container body 30B is rotated to be positioned above the folding arms 12B for containing the liquid. The folding arms 12B may be further configured to support the bottom wall 32B of the container body 30B when the foldable container is in the unfolded mode.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 of the drawings, a foldable container according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The foldable container comprises a supporting frame 10C which is preferably a foldable supporting frame 10C, and a container body 30B being placed and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10C. In other words, when the foldable supporting frame 10C is unfolded, the container body 30B can be unfolded and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10C for containing the liquid therein. When the foldable supporting frame 10C is moved to its folded mode, the container body 30B and the foldable supporting frame 10C can be folded together, such that the entire foldable container can be stored in a folded state.

According to this preferred embodiment, the foldable supporting frame 10C comprises two folding arms 12C that are respectively pivotally connected to the container body 30B and are able to be moved between the unfolded mode and the folded mode. The container body 30B comprises a surrounding wall 31B, a bottom wall 32B connected to the surrounding wall 31B, and a top wall 34B circumferentially connected to the surrounding wall 31B. The surrounding wall 31B is a foldable wall that can be folded between the bottom wall 32B and the top wall 34B, the two folding arms 12C are respectively pivotally connected to the bottom wall 32B to support the container body 30B at a bottom side of the container body 30B.

More specifically, in this preferred embodiment, each of the folding arms 12C comprises two fastening members 123C fixed to the bottom wall 32B of the container body 30B, two legs 124C pivotally connected to the two fastening members 123C and a supporting arm 125C connected between the two legs 124C for standing on the ground. The person of ordinary skilled in the art should understand that the structure of each of the folding arms 12C is examplary only and can be embodied to be construcuted into other suitable structure. For example, the two legs 124C can be replaced by an integral panel.

Each of the two fastening members 123C of each folding arm 12C may comprise a fastening element 1231C mounted to the bottom wall 32B of the container body, a mounting element 1232C defining a mounting groove 1233C, a mounting pin 1234C pivotally mounting an end of the corresponding leg 12C disposed in the mounting groove 1233C with the mounting element 1232C.

When the foldable container is in the unfolded mode, the surrounding wall 31B of the container body 30 is unfolded and the plurality of wall sections 314B are pulled to move away from the top wall 34B to define a receving cavity 35B for containing the liquid. The legs 124C and the supporting arm 125C are rotated untill the supporting arm 125C is standing on the ground, so that the folding arms 12C are standing on the ground to support the container body 30B. When the foldable container is in the folded mode, the folding arms 12C are folded toward the bottom wall 32B of the container body 30B, so as to be overlapped with the bottom wall 32B of the container body 30B, the surrounding wall 31B of the container body 30 is folded and the plurality of wall sections 314B are overlapped between the top wall 34B and the bottom wall 32B.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, a foldable container an alternative mode of the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, the foldable container comprises comprises a supporting frame 10D which is preferably a foldable supporting frame 10D, and a container body 30B being placed and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10D. In other words, when the foldable supporting frame 10D is unfolded, the container body 30B can be unfolded to define a receiving cavity 35B and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10D for containing the liquid therein. When the foldable supporting frame 10D is moved to its folded mode, the container body 30B and the foldable supporting frame 10D can be folded together, such that the entire foldable container can be stored in a folded state.

The foldable supporting frame 10D comprises two supporting racks 15D, a holding rack 16D rotatably mounted on the supporting racks 15D, a plurality of flexible reinforcing ribs 17D connected to the holding rack 16D, the container body 30B is mounted on the holding rack 16D and can be further supported by the plurality of flexible reinforcing ribs 17D when the container body 30B is in the unfolded mode. Accordingly, the container body 30B comprises a surrounding wall 31B, a bottom wall 32B and a top wall 34D, the top wall 34B of the container body 30B can be fixed on the holding rack 16D, or can be detachably mounted on the holding rack 16D. The plurality of flexible reinforcing ribs 17D provide an enhanced support to the container body 30B when the child or pet is received in the container body 30B for bathing.

More specifically, each of the supporting racks 15D comprises two supporting legs 151D, a pivot connector 152D pivotally connects tops of the two supporting legs 151D, a bracing member 153D connected between the two supporting legs 151D. The two supporting legs 151D can be pivotally moved to switch the foldable supporting frame 10D between the unfolded mode and the folded mode. The bracing member 153D comprises two bracing elements 1531D pivotally connected between the two supporting legs 151D and the two bracing elements 1531D are overlapped with other when the foldalbe supporting frame 10D is in the folded mode, and are in a horizontal state when the foldable supporting frame 10D is in the unfolded mode.

The holding rack 16D of this embodiment is configured to have a ring shape and can be rotated to a horizontal state to hold the container body 30B in an operation state for containing the liquid for the child or the pet to bath, and can be rotated to a position substantially parallel with the supporting legs 151D in the folded mode, and the container body 30B can be compressed to be in the folded mode, so that the size of the entire foldable container in the folded mode is decreased for easy storing and transportation.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a foldable container according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The foldable container comprises a supporting member 60E for supporting the container body 30B. The supporting member 60E can be fastened and fixed to the container body 30B or be detachably mounted to the container body 30B. The supporting member 60E can be embodied as a frame which is preferably foldable, or a supporting cushion structure.

In this preferred embodiment, the supporting member 60E is embodied as an inflatable member that is attached to to the bottom wall 32B of the container body 30B. When the supporting member 60E is inflated, the container body 30B is supported by the inflated supporting member 60E, the container body 30B can be unfolded and supported on the inflated supporting member 60E for containing the liquid therein. When the supporting member 60E is deflated, the container body 30B can be folded and be stacked on the deflated supporting member 60E.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable container for pet bathing, comprising: a container body for containing a liquid for a pet to bath, wherein said container body comprises a bottom wall, a top wall and a surrounding wall foldable between said bottom wall and said top wall, and a a supporting frame arranged for supporting said container body.
 2. The foldable container, as recited in claim 1, wherein said surrounding wall comprises a plurality of wall sections which are capable of being overlapped with each other between said bottom wall and said top wall when said container body is folded.
 3. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said surrounding wall comprises at least one folding line that said plurality of wall sections are capable of folding along the corresponding folding line.
 4. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said plurality of wall sections are folded to reduce a height of said container body when said container body is folded.
 5. The foldable container, as recited in claim 3, wherein each of said folding line is parallel with said bottom wall.
 6. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said top wall of said container body is mounted with said supporting frame.
 7. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said bottom wall of said container body is mounted with said supporting frame.
 8. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said supporting frame is a foldable supporting frame which comprises two folding arms and at least four said supporting legs, wherein said two folding arm and said at least four supporting legs are pivotally rotated with each other, wherein said top wall of said container body is rotatably mounted to said supporting legs.
 9. The foldable container, as recited in claim 8, further comprising an operation switch arranged on said foldable supporting frame to operate said foldable supporting frame between a folded mode in which said foldable supporting frame is folded, and an unfolded mode in which said foldable supporting frame is unfolded to support said container body,
 10. The foldable container, as recited in claim 9, wherein said two folding arms are pivotally connected with each other at said operation switch.
 11. The foldable container, as recited in claim 10, wherein said foldable supporting frame further comprises a pivot shaft, wherein each of said supporting legs is pivotally connected to each of said folding arms about said pivot shaft, wherein when said folding arm is rotated, said supporting leg is driven by said folding arm to rotate about said pivot shaft.
 12. The foldable container, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a switch rod disposed at an end of one of said folding arms, wherein in said unfolded mode, said switch rod is supported by said operation switch to limit a movement between said two folding arms of said foldable support frame.
 13. The foldable container, as recited in claim 12, wherein said foldable supporting frame further comprises a rotating rod, wherein two of said folding arms are pivotally connected to each other about said rotating rod.
 14. The foldable container, as recited in claim 13, wherein said operation switch comprises a main body, a slider and a resilient member, wherein said slider is movably disposed on said main body, said resilient member is connected to said main body, and said slider is affixed inside said main body.
 15. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said supporting frame comprises two folding arms that are respectively pivotally connected to said container body for supporting said container body.
 16. The foldable container, as recited in claim 15, wherein said two folding arms are respectively pivotally connected to said bottom wall to support said container body at a bottom side of said container body, wherein when said foldable container is in a folded mode, said two folding arms are folded toward said bottom wall of said container body.
 17. The foldable container, as recited in claim 16, wherein each of said folding arms comprises two fastening members fixed to said bottom wall of said container body, two legs pivotally connected to said two fastening members and a supporting arm connected between said two legs for standing on the ground.
 18. The foldable container, as recited in claim 2, wherein said supporting frame is a foldable supporting frame comprises two supporting brackets and a holding bracket mounted on the two supporting brackets, wherein said container body is mounted on said holding bracket.
 19. The foldable container, as recited in claim 18, wherein said top wall of container body is mounted on said holding bracket, wherein tops of said two supporting brackets are respectively mounted with said holding bracket which is in a ring shape.
 20. The foldable container, as recited in claim 19, further comprising a plurality of flexible reinforcing ribs connected to said holding bracket for enhancing a support to the container body.
 21. The foldable container, as recited in claim 19, wherein each of said supporting racks comprises two supporting legs, and a pivot connector pivotally connects said tops of said two supporting legs.
 22. The foldable container, as recited in claim 21, wherein each of said supporting racks further comprises a bracing member which comprises two bracing elements pivotally connected between said two supporting legs.
 23. A foldable container for pet bathing, comprising: a container body for cotaining a liquid for a pet to bath, wherein said container body comprises a bottom wall, a top wall and a surrounding wall foldable between said bottom wall and said top wall, and a a supporting member arranged for supporting said container body.
 24. The foldable container, as recited in claim 18, wherein said suppprting member is an inflatable member, wherein said surrounding wall of said container body comprises a pluraltiy of wall sections which are capable of being overlapped with each other between said bottoom wall and said top wall when said container body is folded.
 25. The foldable container, as recited in claim 19, wherein said surrounding wall comprises at least one folding line that said plurality of wall sections are capable of folding along the corresponding folding line, wherein each of said folding line is parallel with said bottom wall. 